HB 283 (Abrams, Lampton) Distracted Driving

June 10, 2021

The Honorable Jeff LaRe

Ohio House of Representatives

77 S. High St., 13th Fl

Columbus, OH 43215

Re: HB 283 (Abrams, Lampton) Distracted Driving

Chairman LaRe, Vice Chair Swearingen, Ranking Member Leland and members of the House Criminal Justice Committee, my husband and myself stand before you today on behalf of our family and for our son: Captain Nathan Douglas Richeson.

On the afternoon of August 29, 2014 at 15:49, Nathan was killed by a distracted driver whom was speeding, driving recklessly, found to have marijuana metabolite above the legal limit in her blood stream and texting two people, one of whom was her mother.

The person who killed Nathan was sentenced April 29, 2016 at the Guernsey County Courthouse, Judge David Ellwood presiding. This person has not shown and/or communicated any remorse to our family.

We stand before you today to clearly communicate that driving distracted and causing harm to another human soul is NOT an accident, it is a selfish choice.

As parents we have taught our boys that “actions speak louder than words.”

Nathan was a pilot with the 121 Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker, he was honored to serve his country. Nathan was a son, a brother, and an uncle to Benjamin and Charlotte, devoted to his family and friends and a loving husband.

We ask that HB 283 move forward to passage with god speed. Show courage and strength as we move forward to a safer Ohio.

We are grateful for your time and to have the opportunity to testify.

With great thought,

Douglas and Cathy Richeson